Clay County, Missouri, June 22, 1834.

Verily, I say unto you, who have assembled yourselves together  that you may learn my will concerning the redemption of Zion  mine afflicted people: Behold, I say unto you, were it not  for the transgressions of my people, speaking concerning the church,  and not individuals, they might have been redeemed, even now  now; but, behold, they have not learned to be obedient to the  things which I require at their hands, but are full of all man ner of evil, and do not impart of their substance, as becom eth saints, to the poor and afflicted among them, and are not  united according to the union required by the law of the ever lasting <Celestial> Kingdom; and Zion cannot be built up unless it  is by the principles of the law of the Celestial kingdom, other wise I cannot receive her unto myself. And my people  must needs be chastened until they learn obedience, if it  must needs be by the things which they suffer. I speak not  concerning those who are appointed to lead my people,  who are the first elders of my church, for they are not all  under this condemnation; but I speak concerning the  churches abroad: there are many who will say, Where is  their God? Behold, he will deliver in time of trouble,  otherwise we will not go up unto the land of Zion,  and will keep our moneys.

Therefore, in consequence of the transgression<s> of my people,  it is expedient in me that mine elders should wait for a  little season for the redemption of Zion, that they themselves [p. 97]